“Ruto must go? tell me how” – President responds to calls for his resignation

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President William Ruto has strongly dismissed calls for his resignation by Kenyans pushing the #RutoMustGo movement, arguing that the demands are fueled by hate and lack any solid alternatives.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, June 27, the President said that while Kenyans have the right to express dissatisfaction, change must be based on constructive planning and lawful processes.

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He emphasized that the 2010 Constitution clearly outlines how a sitting Head of State can leave office, and not through street pressure.

“If you want Ruto to go, develop a better plan than the one I have. The one that exists,” the President said, urging protesters to stop the destruction and instead focus on offering solutions.

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He warned that the ongoing unrest risks tearing the country apart, calling on citizens to avoid becoming part of the problem.

“If you truly love Kenya as you say, don’t burn the country. Don’t be part of the problem; figure out how to be part of the solution. If your problems are anchored on hate, your protests anchored on hate… we will not have a country.”

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Ruto further questioned the ongoing debate around leadership terms, stating that the Constitution has clearly stated the limits.

He challenged those chanting “Ruto must go” to explain what they really mean and how they expect the President to step down. “Let’s be honest, what do you mean by ‘Ruto must go’? How do I go?” he asked.

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Amid mounting pressure and criticism from both street demonstrations and online campaigns, Ruto held firm that public anger must be guided by strategy and not raw emotion.

“Do not tell us you hate so and so and you have no strategy. You cannot replace the plan that is in place without a plan. You are armed with hate, really?” he said.

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The President also took a swipe at certain political and religious leaders whom he accused of inciting unrest and supporting lawlessness.

He challenged them to present practical alternatives if they are truly concerned about the country’s direction.

“I want to ask the religious and political leaders who are encouraging this movement towards violence and chaos and anarchy… what is your plan?” he asked.

Ruto warned that Kenya risks sliding into instability if the protest trend continues. He reminded the nation that the country belongs to every citizen, not just leaders or opposition supporters.

“If we go this route, we will not have a country. And the country does not belong to William Ruto—it belongs to all of us. And if there is no country for William Ruto, there is no country for you,” he said.

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Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also defended the government’s stance, affirming that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, lawlessness will not be tolerated.

Speaking in Kitui, Kindiki said the government welcomes dissent and criticism, but not at the expense of national security and public order. “We will not sit and watch the country burn,” he said.

Both leaders condemned the violent scenes witnessed during the June 25 protests, which were initially planned to honour those killed during last year’s demonstrations on the same date.

The protests, however, turned deadly, leaving at least 16 people dead, hundreds injured, and property worth millions destroyed.

President Ruto described the events as acts of “calculated chaos and economic sabotage,” while Kindiki reiterated that the government will safeguard both freedoms and stability, but will not allow violence to become the norm

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